The new principal of Derrygonnelly Primary School is making getting to know his fellow staff members and parents his "first key goal" as he settles in to his new position at the rural Fermanagh school.

Originally from Coleraine, but now living in Lisnaskea, David Kearney took up the post of principal of Derrygonnelly Primary School on February 22. Alongside his role of principal, Mr. Kearney also teaches, covering years P4 and P5.

"I've been teaching for the past 10 years. I got my first principal job down in Newtownbutler Primary School where I'd been for just under a year before getting this permanent job in Derrygonnelly," Mr. Kearney told The Impartial Reporter.

Talking about what he hopes to bring to the role of principal in Derrygonnelly PS, he said: "I think just re-establishing it and bringing some stability to the school, and just trying to enhance its outdoor learning - that's a big focus of mine. In the first year I'd like to get back to the basics of outdoor learning and embracing nature."

He went on to explain that his "first key goal" is to settle in and get to know the staff team and the community of the school.

"The parents particularly because once you have that relationship with the parents and staff set, you can begin to really make good change," said Mr. Kearney.

Having taught in rural schools throughout his teaching career, he is very content with his new position in Derrygonnelly PS.

"That's one of the things [the rural location] that I really like about the school," he said.

When asked if he has any concerns regarding the talks of potential closures of some rural schools in Northern Ireland, he commented: "I think potentially we could be on the list but we wouldn't be on the severe end of the list, but yes it could be a risk in the future certainly if we're being realistic.

"But I do think our numbers are fairly secure at the minute but long-term it could be an issue," he said, adding why he believes rural schools should be protected: "I think for those communities to have a local school to go to and not have to travel too far.

"For me personally, they offer a much nicer atmosphere, a smaller family setting where you know every child in your school.

"It's like one large family whereas the bigger primary schools you kind of lose that personal touch," he told this newspaper.